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Committee OKs bill letting state parks use dynamic pricing for cabins, events
Summary
SB 418 would let the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism adjust rates more frequently (weekly) and within a broader band (agency said up to 50% of the year-start rate), while pledging to honor previously booked reservations; committee approved the measure by voice vote.
The Senate Agriculture Committee approved Senate Bill 418, which would allow the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism to adopt dynamic pricing for events, services and overnight accommodations.
Senator Jonathan Disming said the change would let the agency respond to peak and low demand periods rather than setting most rates once a year. Secretary Stacy Hurst testified that the department would honor any rate booked in advance and would not retroactively raise a customer’s pre-booked rate: "If booked in advance, then certainly we would honor whatever rate they booked at and that would not change." She said the proposal would permit the agency to "weekly look at market demand" and adjust rates up or down within 50% of the year-beginning rate; under current practice the department can adjust certain cabin and lodge rates only about 20%.
Proponents said more flexible pricing could increase off-season visitation, stabilize revenue for park operations and reduce instances where state parks are the lowest-priced option and unintentionally undercut nearby private businesses.
The bill includes a reporting requirement to the Arkansas Legislative Council on rate changes and implementing rules. After agency testimony and questions, the committee approved SB 418 by voice vote.
What’s next: SB 418 will move forward in the legislative process; the department will later present rule language to implement the dynamic-pricing framework.
